The champagne corks are popping at Horizon, and there are more than enough reasons to celebrate at the shipyard based in southern Taiwan: the 35th anniversary of the company on the one hand, and the lavishly filled order books on the other. More than 20 newbuilds were delivered in 2022, and the company's headquarters in Kaohsiung could have done much more. "The shipyard has an annual capacity of 27 newbuilds," says Tom Boogaard, dealer at Horizon Yacht Europe in Mallorca. With a current share of around 70 per cent, the FD series is clearly the bestseller, "almost 70 units have been sold since its launch." The range currently extends from the FD75 to the as yet unrealised FD125.
Cruising along the coast with the FD110
Now, with "Freedom", the Horizon FD110 comes into the limelight, another Cor-D. rover design, a fast and stable displacer with a length of 34 metres and a comparatively large volume. To date, it is also the largest of the series that has actually been built and delivered. Like its smaller sisters, the 110 is designed to serve both as a "bathing yacht" for coastal cruising as well as being able to cover longer distances with ease. Seaworthiness, robustness and range are the features that customers demand and appreciate. "The owners feel safe on board," summarises Boogaard. The US East Coast, the Caribbean or Australia, and especially the rugged west of the continent - these are the favourite destinations of buyers from all over the world.
There are two models to choose from: the two-deck Skyline and the Tri-Deck variant, which offers a small sun deck with lounge and bar above the upper or bridge deck. The basic layout of the almost 7.50 metre wide lady is the same for both. The generously proportioned master suite is given pride of place in the bow of the main deck, but the bridge is located one floor higher, right next to the skylounge. The foredeck, which is well equipped with a sofa, minibar and jacuzzi, is located directly in front of the helm station. Both living decks also have a large aft terrace. The remaining cabins are located at the very bottom of the boat, at the front for eight guests and at the stern for the crew of six.
Open-plan kitchen as a series trademark
Otherwise, countless variations are possible. For example, the saloon can be fitted with a bar on request and the lounge on the aft deck can be fitted with an optional dining area. Horizon first introduced the open galley one floor below with the FD90, and it has been a trademark of the series ever since. Thanks to the pocket doors on both sides, it can be separated from the saloon. In addition, a glass panel to the bar counter can be raised and lowered again at the touch of a button. "This means the room can be completely closed when the crew is cooking or remain open during the day when owners or guests want to use the area," says Boogaard, explaining the idea. The interior design of "Freedom" makes a classic Italian impression, but is made in Taiwan. Brown, cream and light grey set the colour tone; in the salons and suites, the furniture fronts are covered in dark wooden panels in walnut or wenge - but the walls are also covered up to half their height. The light-coloured ceilings and the upholstery of the sofas and beds provide a clear contrast. Everything is very simple and predominantly straightforward, opulence is a different story. Even the Italian chandelier above the dining area is restrained.
In terms of quality, the FD110 is in no way inferior to comparable constructions from Europe. As with its predecessors, the hull is created using a complex vacuum infusion process in which the resin penetrates into the smallest corners of the components, making the yacht as strong and rigid as possible in the end. Atech Composites, a subsidiary of Horizon, laminates the entire hull in practically one step and uses this process to ensure high-strength components. As recently as 2019, 14,300 litres of resin were poured into a 43-metre-long, 15-tonne hull section - a world record! Obviously, the investment in technology has paid off.
Collaboration has become more effective
The collaboration between mother and daughter has recently become even more effective: Atech relocated from its production site two kilometres away to the headquarters. There, Horizon was already in the process of restructuring the site and expanding the halls so that the yacht builders could now work on up to seven hulls simultaneously. The new office building and a large warehouse were completed at the beginning of 2022. Since then, all work steps have been carried out in one place, from the very first draft to the final interior and exterior fittings.
Drive of the FD110
Onan generators and Caterpillar engines (C32A) were chosen to power the FD110. The almost 1200 kilowatt power packs propel the tri-deck to a maximum speed of 18.5 knots. "A comfortable cruising speed is between ten and 14 knots," says Boogaard. At ten knots, the yacht has a range of around 2000 nautical miles. The signs for the future are good. "Six of the FD110 have already been sold," says the dealer. "Four have been delivered, three Skyline and one tri-deck. Two more tri-deckers are currently under construction."
Technical data
- Length over everything:34,00 m
- Length (waterline): 30,18 m
- Width: 7,47 m
- Depth: 1,98 m
- Displacement: 158 t
- Material: GRP
- Motors: 2 x CAT C32A
- Engine power: 2 x 1193 kW
- Speed (max.):18.5 kn
- Speed (travelling): 10-14 kn
- Range @ 10 kn: 2000 nm
- Generators:2 x Onan 50 kW/55 kW
- Fuel: 17 030 l
- Water: 3025 l
- Bow and stern thruster: 48 kW each
- Construction: Cor D. Rover, Horizon
- Exterior design: Cor D. Rover, Horizon
- Interior design: Owner, Horizon
- Guests:10
- Crew: 6
- Shipyard: Horizon, 2022
